THUMBS UP to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for its decision to extend the timeline for awarding a southeastern Massachusetts casino license to at least February 2015. Meanwhile, the deadline for casino applications will be extended from July 23 to at least Sept. 23. While city officials opposed the decision and believed the previous deadline offered plenty of time to seal a good deal, it is clear that there are still a lot more questions than answers.

Although the decision could open up more competition — which could ultimately hinder the city’s casino prospects — the delay could be good for Fall River. It could allow a better deal to emerge from the host agreement and give the city more time to vet the proposal instead of rushing it through, which could have ultimately led to the casino referendum’s defeat.

Having more time to get answers and negotiate a solid host agreement along with a more competitive proposal is certainly in the city’s best interest. The delay could also allow more time to clarify the situation with the Mashpees’ land-in-trust status, which could be a game-changer. Better to have more time to negotiate a better deal than have later regrets after rushing into a bad one.

THUMBS UP to the participants of Sunday’s Thomas J. Giunta Memorial 5K road race. The 2014 road race marked the 20th year since Giunta was killed in the line of duty while handing out parking passes to Middle Street residents ahead of the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost. In a fitting tribute, this year’s race was preceded by the dedication of the Thomas J. Giunta Memorial Tot Lot at the corner of Bank and O’Grady streets. The 20th road race holds a special significance because Giunta’s badge number was 20. The road race has become a great tradition, both honoring Giunta and bringing our community together.

THUMBS DOWN to the Flanagan administration’s effort to recoup part of a $1.6 million settlement decree with Dominion Energy, after the city missed the deadline to file its qualifying proposal for the settlement. The case will be heard Monday at a federal court in Illinois. So far, the law firm of Nixon Peabody has billed the city $67,500. This seems like a case of the administration fighting a losing — and costly — battle that is just not worth the expense.

THUMBS UP to the Rotary Club of Fall River for its First Impressions Event, offering job seekers classes highlighting interviewing skills and resumes, and offering other resources — including gift certificates for haircuts, fashion advice, professional clothing and jewelry so that job applicants can look sharp at interviews.

With the SouthCoast’s tough employment picture, this program — in its third year — could help give motivated job seekers a chance to shine as they try to find the right employment match. Since the job search can also be discouraging and frustrating, the program also should help give participants an extra boost in self-esteem that could help in the job search and in life.